Jerome Williams still in the mix for starting spot

Astros 2014 spring training games

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Jerome Williams worked on keeping his pitches down Monday morning during an intra-squad minor-league game at Osceola County Stadium.

“A couple of games I was leaving balls up in the zone,” he said. “Fortunately I was getting them to be outs, but I know during the season they’re not going to be outs and I’m going to get hurt. I just tried to work on throwing the ball down in the zone.”

Williams, who threw 75 pitches over six innings, remains a candidate for the starting rotation. He also could serve as the team’s long reliever if he doesn’t win a starter’s role.

“I always say I would love to start, but like I’ve said before, it doesn’t matter what the situation is,” he said. “As long as I go out there and help the team win in any way possible, whether it’s starting or relieving, I’ll do it.

“Last season I was in the bullpen. I was a swingman. I did well there. Then I had the opportunity to start and I did well there too. I think I can do both and I can do both pretty well. Like I said, it doesn’t matter what happens as long as I have the ball and can go out there and compete.”

Porter is adamant that Williams is still a candidate for the rotation.

“He’s done both, which obviously it gives you flexibility, but right now he continues to compete for a rotation spot,” Porter said. “I’m sure he probably would be willing to do whatever is best for the ballclub, but we brought him in here to compete for a rotation spot.”